When free agents come calling, Astros should just say “wait ’til next year”

Our 2012 draft picks will be protected, I believe, so this is a good offseason for free-agent signings. — BBFanlady.

I’m most worried about which free agents the Astros will go after. — Devin.

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For some reason, the talk on yesterday’s blog comments turned to free agents. Some like BBfanlady speculated the Astros should be in the free agent hunt this winter. Others like Devin suggested they declare a free agent-free zone.

Two words for those who would like to see the Astros delve into the free agent market:

Carlos Lee.

Need a few more words?

Six years, $100 million.

With a roster replete with younger players who should be on the field opening day, Ed Wade — or whoever is general manager come Thanksgiving — should steer clear of the 2012 free agent pool.

Does the name Woody Williams mean anything to you?

Assuming the Astros can move either Brett Myers or Wandy Rodriguez by Christmas, the Astros’ payroll should be on target for new owner Jim Crane’s goal of $50-$60 million. Even if the organization wanted to go after players like Albert Pujols, Heath Bell, Edwin Jackson or others, it shouldn’t — and it won’t.

If the Astros wanted to sign a free agent starter, just hang on to Wandy or Brett. No need to waste money on Davis, Francis, Harden or Marquis. Especially when Norris and Lyles are in line with Cosart, Sosa, Harrell, Keuchel and perhaps Clemens are waiting their turns.

When I think of free agent pitchers, names like Russ Ortiz or Mike Hampton remind me to just say “no”.

Indeed, the best free agent signing this winter for the Astros may actually already be in a Houston uniform. Whether Clint Barmes re-signs with the Astros, however, may depend largely on whether the team can clear payroll by unloading one of the big three contracts: Lee, Myers or Rodriguez. The shortstop has expressed a desire to remain in Houston and there is no other player in the system pushing their way onto the roster.

With Jason Castro apparently set to start behind the plate and young players like Altuve, Paredes, Martinez, Schafer, Bogusevic and even Shuck taking advantage of their opportunities already, Houston should remain committed to the youth movement.

If Wade or his replacement simply can’t ignore the free agent itch, seek out a solid veteran for the bullpen. Indeed, you can argue that’s one of the missing ingredients from this year’s team. To wit, only three players over the age of 28 have pitched in relief for Houston. Those three — Nelson Figueroa, Jeff Fulchino and Lyon — have combined for 50 IP. None of those has been able to provide the veteran, day-to-day leadership of past relievers like Russ Springer, Brian Moehler or even Doug Brocail.

So if and when agents come calling to find a home for their clients this winter, Ed Wade — or, again, whoever is general manager at the time — should simply say “wait ’til next year”.